It's true that XMTS is, perhaps for want of a better word, duller than before. Some say it's lost it's panache, a few others say it's because it's lost Panache.

I'll address the first concern. Because this forum has changed quite dramatically over the last few months it's not the place it was before. Changes take time to readjust to. Things we were used to may never be the same again. The future potential though, is what we make of it.

The second point I addressed is not the panache defined by Funk & Wagnalls as;
–noun
1.a grand or flamboyant manner; verve; style; flair: The actor who would play Cyrano must have panache.
2.an ornamental plume of feathers, tassels, or the like, esp. one worn on a helmet or cap.
3.Architecture. the surface of a pendentive.
but rather a pith helmeted, gin soaked gentleman incapable of writing fiction with any element of truthful fact in it. For those new here he was the one that not only coined the term "Ladies and Gentlemen of XMTS" but also by virtue of example, showed what it meant. Some interesting topics, flaming out of control were reigned in by his gentle finger wagging, so yes, XMarks of today is a boring place because of, by some small part, Panache! I for one are glad that he is no longer around, I can now pick on a "Traditionalist" like Jock Scot (not to mention any names) without him saying "Now, now Grant. Apologise to Jock for saying flat caps have no place being worn with kilts"! Generally I chose not to acknowledege this Panaches existence on XMarks and with him gone it makes my time here easier. I think not having to read his self-absorbing, meandering posts makes everyone's live here easier.

So just for fun, let's do a poll and ensure that the name "Panache" never darkens the hallowed halls of XMTS again. Who's with me?